title: High dose zolpidem induced fetal neural tube defects.
abstract: Use of zolpidem, a short-acting imidazopyridine hypnotic, has not been associated with teratogenic effects in usual clinical doses. We report a case of fetal neural tube defects occurring in a female dependent on zolpidem and consuming high doses in the first trimester of pregnancy. Possible mechanisms by which high dose zolpidem may lead to teratogenicity are discussed. Clinicians are advised to be aware of the risks of high-dose zolpidem abuse in early pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Central Institute of Psychiatry, Kanke, Ranchi-834 006. India. avinash_sharma2@rediffmail.com.
authors.forename: Avinash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Neha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sayeed
authors.forename: Christoday R J
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Khees
authors.forename: Sayeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhtar
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D000077334:Zolpidem
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem